Coping With Trauma and Stressful Events as a Patient With an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

From: The American Heart Association Circulator

The lifesaving value and improved quality-of-life outcomes of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) are well established. However, for some patients, having an ICD implanted or receiving a therapy from the device can be considered stressful or traumatic. In fact, the experience and diagnosis of heart problems can be traumatic. Here, we review potential stressful or traumatic ICD patient experiences and provide an action plan for developing effective coping responses.